Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. Normally, you’d need between 225 and 325 grams of carbohydrates for a 2,000-calorie diet. But if you’re following a low-carb plan, you’ll have to restrict your daily carbohydrate intake to 50 to 150 grams per day, MayoClinic.com reports. Because most foods have some type of carbohydrate, you’ll have to carefully monitor how much you consume to help you stay within the parameters of your diet plan.

Proteins

Lean ground beef, top sirloin, tenderloin steak and pork loin are all relatively low in fat and don’t add any carbohydrates to your meal. Additionally, chicken, turkey and duck meat each contain 0 grams of carbohydrates. Just make sure you remove the skin and opt for light poultry meat as much as possible. Breast meat is leaner so you don’t go overboard on your fat intake. Fish and seafood are other lean proteins that are carb-free. Enjoy salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab or lobster to up your protein intake without increasing the carbohydrates in your diet. Mollusks, including clams and oysters, have some carbs -- roughly 3 to 5 grams per 3-ounce serving.

Eggs

Eggs have only a trace amount of carbohydrates, making them a perfect addition to your diet regimen. One whole large egg has less than 1 gram of carbohydrate. The downside of whole eggs is that they are high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, so don't eat them every day. As an alternative, use egg whites to make your morning scramble or breakfast omelet. By nixing the yolks, you’ll eliminate the majority of bad fats you get from eggs. Three large egg whites, or 3.5 ounces, have a minimal 0.75 gram of carbohydrates.

Nonstarchy Vegetables

You’ll be able to fill up on all kinds of veggies while adhering to your low-carb diet plan. Just avoid high-starch vegetables like potatoes, yams and squash. Instead, enjoy spinach, which has just 1 gram of carbohydrate per ounce; cucumbers, which offer around 1.25 grams of carbs in a 2-ounce serving; mushrooms, which provide 2.25 grams of carbs in 2.5 ounces; or asparagus, which has less than 2.5 grams of carbohydrates in four spears.

Nuts

Nuts do have some carbohydrates, but not a high amount. Pistachios offer around 8 grams per ounce, and dry roasted mixed nuts contain slightly more than 7 grams of carbs in an ounce. The same serving of almonds or peanuts each give you about 6 grams of carbohydrates, while pecans offer less than 4 grams of carbs in each ounce. The majority of the calories in nuts come from fats, but the fats are actually good for you. Nuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. The combination of fat, protein and fiber in nuts will slow down digestion and help keep you full for a while. You’ll just need to measure out your serving ahead of time so you don’t overindulge and take in too many calories.

About the Author

Melodie Anne Coffman specializes in overall wellness, with particular interests in women's health and personal defense. She holds a master's degree in food science and human nutrition and is a certified instructor through the NRA. Coffman is pursuing her personal trainer certification in 2015.